Maria Kolokithas Kappas was born on October 20, 1951, in Viniani, Evrytanias, to Stefanos Kolokithas and Vasiliki Smaragdi Kolokithas. She grew up with her three sisters: Irene, Georgia, and Eleni. At the age of 12, Maria moved to Karpenisi, where she began to learn how to be a seamstress. A few years later, her family relocated to Athens, where they lived for a period of time before immigrating to the United States in 1969. They settled in Astoria, New York, where they began building a new life.

In 1971, Maria met Chris Kappas, the son of Nick and Maria (Alataris) Kappas. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they were married in December 1971. As of 2026, Maria and Chris will have been together for fifty-five years—a testament to a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion. Maria and Chris live in Blacksburg, Virginia, where they raised their two children, Vicki and Nick. Today, they are also the proud grandparents of four grandchildren who bring them immense joy. Their daughter, Vicki, is married to George Keriazes, and together they have two children, Kristina and Peter. They reside in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Their son, Nick, is married to Jan LaRoque, and they have two children: Chris and Sofia. They live in Washington, D.C.